Latics swoop for Caldwell

Wigan have completed their third signing of the January transfer window after landing Celtic defender Gary Caldwell.

Last Updated: 13/01/10 4:29pm

Wigan Athletic have completed their third signing of the January transfer window after landing Celtic's Gary Caldwell.

The former Hibernian stopper has penned a four-and-a-half year contract with the Premier League outfit.

The 27-year-old becomes Wigan's third signing this month following the arrivals of Steven Gohouri and Vladimir Stojkovic.

Caldwell had been out of contract in the summer and brings a wealth of experience with him to Wigan after more than three years at Parkhead.

The experienced defender admits Roberto Martinez sold the club to him and that it was hard for him to leave SPL giants Celtic.

Ambitions

"The manager made it quite clear what his ambitions are for this club and how much he wanted to bring me here," Caldwell told the club's official website.

"To play in the Premier League has always been an ambition of mine but I know how tough it's going to be to get in the side and I need to focus on winning a place and doing the best I can for my new club.

"It's a massive wrench for me to leave a club like Celtic but I want to thank the club and all the fans for the support they've given me in my time there.

"But I'm a Wigan Athletic player now and I can't wait to get started in the Premier League."

Leadership

Martinez believes Caldwell's leadership skills are just what the club needs after conceding 44 times from their 19 Premier League outings.

"Gary is a leader and he is exactly the right character we need at the club," explained Martinez.

"He is a winner and will becoming a huge asset for Wigan Athletic. He is a commanding defender who will lead by example on and off the pitch.

"He has been part of a winning team at Celtic and brings with him great experience, having won league titles and cups, and played in the Champions League. I am excited to welcome him on board at Wigan Athletic."